Have any of you used a BT46 rear tire?
It looks good, and is very affordable, but the 67 load index worries me. The oem tire is a 74.
Any experienced input would be appreciated.

 

I would rather have a higher load index & deep tread depth

 

I agree on the deep tread depth. Shallower tread apparently improves cornering performance, since all the "performance" tires seem too try to minimize both tread depth AND amount of tread, going for the "slicks" approach that I guess optimizes pure traction - when the pavement is dry. Tread is apparently put there to give rain water a path to get out from under the tire.

Our trikes aren't intended to be wonderful cornering machines like a 2-wheeler is. I would think improving wet weather traction would be a good thing.

On the load rating: the load rating describes what amount of weight the tire can handle, and that is only when the tire is inflated to its maximum rated psi. But tire perofrmance affects overall suspension performance too, and that is where I get concerned about looking ONLY at load rating. You can have 2 different tires with the same load rating, but one might have very stiff sidewalls carrying that maximum load, while the other might have notably more supple sidewalls. The stiif tire will likely "handle" better in spirited cornering, while the suppler tire will likely give a more cushy ride.

Given that our trikes aren't really designed for spirited cornering, going for a cushier ride might be a better idea?

How supple versus stiff do you want a tire to be on a trike? Well, that is where maybe we should trust the HD engineers who grappled with that issue and made a decision more informed than we are trained and experienced to make?

Jim G

 

It may offend some, but at this point I am considering a Kenda (Taiwanese) K657 Challenger.
It's rated 74H, same as oem, with a non-directional tread pattern.
The tread looks twice as deep as the Dunlop had when it was new.
The Kenda is built on a 6 ply carcass.
The Dunlop is 3 ply.
Any advice or opinions?

 

6 ply MIGHT mean a pretty stiff tire. Do these and the Dunlop tires have an assigned "traction" index as well? On a trike, you want decent front tire traction (and of coiurse rear tire traction as well) to prevent sliding out in a turn, particularly when the road is wet.

Jim G

 

Jim
I agree. I wish it was easier to get complete info on tires online.
When riding 'spiritedly' the oem Dunlop sometimes skates sideways a bit.
I'll look at the traction rating on my current tire, and try to get info on the Kenda.
That might help me decide.
Thanks.

 

Strange info.
Kenda does not supply traction ratings.
I would have to find one in stock to get that.
There is a version of that tire that is rated 77H,
but it repeatedly says "Not for use on high load carrying vehicles". Strange contradiction.

 

Avon Cobra Trike front tire. Specifically made for trikes. Handles great, wears well.

 

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They should last the 15,000 Avon quotes at that price.
That's the most expensive of all the tires I've looked at.
I think I am back to getting the Dunlop 402 rear tire.
Thanks all!